The 11-year-old British girl who strangled two little boys
In July of that same year, Mary Bell and friend Norma Joyce Bell (no relation), 13, strangled and mutilated 3-year-old Brian Howe. An open verdict had originally been recorded for Brown’s death as there was no evidence of foul play — although Bell had strangled him, her grip was not hard enough to leave any marks. Eventually, his death was linked with Howe’s killing and in August 1968 the girls were charged with two counts of manslaughter. The Home Office psychiatrist told the court Mary had a psychopathic disorder for which she needed treatment. However, a detective chief inspector who interrogated Mary found her to be “very cunning and insidious.” As the verdict was read out, Mary broke down. Norma was acquitted and Mary Bell was convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
